Sparkling New Smile

For a few years now, I have been desperate to have my teeth whitened. But for some reason fear has always got in the way. Well, fear and a lack of funds- it's always seemed just that bit out of budget.

But, recently, we decided to rent our gorgeous little beauty room at So Coco Rouge out to fellow beauty professionals, such as dental nurses.

This weekend, the lovely Lauren from Sparkling Smiles joined the salon for a day of teeth whitening- and I jumped at the chance of being first in the hot seat.

Firstly, Lauren and I discussed the procedure and compared my teeth to the shade guide. It was decided I was shade 18- which thankfully was around average. So all that coffee drinking hasn't done me too much damage then!

Next, Lauren protected my gums with a paint on gum shield, before applying the whitening accelerator and placing my mouth beneath an LED lamp for 20 minutes. Ipod in, Kasabian playing and a chance to catch up on 20 winks it was.

This process was repeated again, leaving my teeth noticeably whiter and brighter, (I'd actually jumped to shade 6!!), so obviously I was one happy bunny!

Lauren is back in the salon on the evening of Thursday May 29th. Her services cost £59 per person, or two people for £99. You can book in by calling the salon on 0151 708 7245.

Workshops at SCR

Over at SCR we hold a variety of workshops- some held by other artists and others by myself and Robyn.

This weekend for example, the absolutely lovely and extremely talented make-up artist and social media guru Karla Powell held her popular Lip Art workshop at the salon, welcoming 8 make-up artists to hear about her journey and learn lots of tricks of the trade!

All Set Up

Work stations

Karla working her magic!

Karla used her favourite products from Illamasqua, Crown Brushes, Lime Crime, Mehron and OCC, whilst showcasing three unique lip looks and her lip prep routine. If you are a new or experienced make-up artist or simply a make-up obsessed consumer, I would highly suggest Karla's classes- lots of fun and really inspirational!

For the past four years, we have held a number of workshops at SCR, from Catwalk Trends, to Special Effects and 1-2-1 training, welcoming lots of lovely students through our doors!

This summer, we are increasing these 1 day workshops- to create our very own Summer camp!

First up is our Cosmetic Camp, perfect for complete make-up novices. Perhaps you want to try your hands at a few techniques before starting a formal make-up qualification, or maybe just to hear and see what a role as a make-up artist is really like? This workshop is for you.

Starting on August 5th and running until the 8th, you will gain in depth knowledge of skin types, correct skin care, working with face shapes, natural day make-up, sophisticated evening make-up and sultry smokey eyes. Plus, we'll play with colour and create creative looks too!

Each student will leave with a mini portfolio- a great opportunity to see how far you've come!

Secondly, there's our Finishing School. Designed for newly qualified make-up artists or those who want to make the move from fashion and special occasion make-up into film and TV.

Taking place from August 12th-15th, this workshop covers basic SFX, script breakdown, working to a brief, continuity and the essential skills required for such a rewarding role.

Each workshop is available to SIX students only, and places are already limited.

Each workshop costs £100 (only £25 per day!!) and places can be secured with a simple £25 deposit.

For further information, and to book your place, call the salon on 0151 708 7245 and speak to Sian or Robyn. We'll be happy to talk you through everything and start you on your path to a future career!!

Evo Fabuloso Colour Intensifying Conditioner

As much as I love my red locks, the speed at which the vibrancy fades can sometimes leave me considering a much more subdued tone. From using a specialist colour shampoo to the various colour masks I have collected over the years, nothing seems to brighten and deepen my barnett as much as I want.

My latest purchase, Evo Fabuloso Colour Intensifying Conditioner in Copper promises to "achieve a rich copper tone on colour treated hair." Not only does this conditioner enhance colour, it is also helps to reduce frizz, add shine and deeply nourish damaged hair.

Not heard of Evo before? To be honest, the brand only came to my attention last year when we looked for a brand to use at So Coco Rouge, and now it's one we often use on shoots. With uniquely named products, including Love Touch (Shine spray), Liquid Rollers (Curl cream) and Root Canal (Volume spray) and simple, modern packaging alongside products that actually work,  Evo is now a favourite amongst UK hair salons. Founded in Australia in 2004, Evo's "mission is to create innovative, salon only products that are simple, luxurious, effective to use and that make people smile" and I'm pretty sure they have met this mission already.

Available in 7 shades, Fabuloso is seriously simple to apply. Wash hair as normal, towel dry and comb through. Depending on hair length take 4-8 pumps of conditioner (I have shoulder length hair and used 6) and comb through from roots to ends. I focused the majority on the ends, as this is where my colour fades most. Then its time to wait! 3 minutes of shower scrubbing later and its time to rinse!

One blow dry later and my hair is looking much healthier and definitely revived. A great way to quickly enhance your colour for a special occasion, or a valuable bargain to ease the far too regular salon appointments!

Available in 7 shades- Copper, Mahogany, Purple Red, Chestnut, Caramel, Light Beige and Platinum Blonde.